Good morning, Hickory.

Governor Josh Stein announced today that 14 nonprofit VOADs received more than $9 million in grants for housing repair and reconstruction in counties hit by Hurricane Helene.

The General Assembly added an extra $18 million to support further recovery and will soon release notice for more awards—ensuring continued aid in the affected areas.

The City of Hickory will hold its Ward 5 primary election Tuesday, October 7, with five candidates including incumbent David Zagaroli, Arnita Dula, Kevin Gaylord, Joshua Ledford, and Taylor Lelewski vying for two spots in the November ballot.

Voters in Ward 5 (covering parts of downtown, northwest Hickory, Viewmont and portions of Burke and Caldwell counties) can register until October 10 while early voting begins October 16 ahead of the municipal election on November 4.

Lenoir-Rhyne weightlifter Ryan Grimsland will represent Team USA at the World Weightlifting Championships today at 11 a.m. ET in Forde, Norway—competing in the 79kg division with a snatch and a clean and jerk lift.

Lenoir-Rhyne’s Bears swept Newberry on Saturday at the Shu with Emmie Modlin earning eight kills and Averie Dale recording eight blocks—marking their ninth straight win.

The team improved its record to 11-3 overall and will face Wingate on Tuesday night in a rematch after last week's 3-1 loss.

The Lenoir-Rhyne women’s soccer team beat Newberry 2-1 on October 5th—Mya Jarvis scored the winning goal in the 67th minute and Ava Hartman added a key goal—and the Bears improved to 7-3 while claiming the top spot in their conference.

The win marked their fifth consecutive victory against Newberry and extended a winning streak in Hickory since 2017.

On October 5th, the Lenoir-Rhyne men's soccer team played a 1-1 draw with Newberry as an own goal gave the Bears an early lead and a late equalizer marked Newberry's first point in Hickory since 2008—goalkeeper Tomas Fontes made two crucial saves to secure the draw.

The team will face Wingate on Wednesday afternoon in a contest rescheduled from September 27th.

On October 5, Lenoir-Rhyne won a 32-25 game at Valdosta State after Khamoni Robinson scored four touchdowns—propelling the Bears as their defense made four interceptions to hold off the home side.

Hickory Oktoberfest

9-11 p.m. — Hickory North Carolina — Free entry — Experience the best of local beer and food at the main stage during Oktoberfest.

$3,000 to Win Race at Hickory Motor Speedway

4:30-10 p.m. — Hickory Motor Speedway — $3,000 to win — Experience thrilling stock car racing at one of NASCAR's most legendary venues.

JAZZ LEGACY Concert Series

2-4 p.m. — Sails On The Square — Free entry — Experience the Byron Bean All Star Big Band in a vibrant outdoor jazz concert.